HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Chapter 4

"Yes, it is the royal family birthmark. All blood relatives of the royal family have one." "Can, you please tell me sir, why then do I have one? I am merely a healer that lives in the woods. I am not royalty," Angelina pleaded to the man. She rolled up her sleeve and on her right shoulder was the birthmark in the shape of a heart. The man looked astonished. "Tell me you name and where you are from. I demand to know immediately," the man insisted. "My name is A and I have grown up, just past those hills in the distance. For 17 years, I have been raised by a healer in a cottage in the woods. Sadly, she is no longer with me." "Seventeen years? Could it have been that long?" "Sir, by whatever do you mean?" "Seventeen years ago, a duke declared war on my kingdom. The Queen and I sent our child to live in safety, but have never been able to find her. Angelina, you must be she. You have your mother's eyes and hair, and you have the royal birthmark. Angelina, I have found you at last. You must come back to the castle with me and meet your family and subjects. There will be much rejoicing at your return." "King? Father? I . . . I don't know what to say." "It is settled. You will escort me back immediately." The king and A walked through the woods and to the kingdom. As soon as they reached the castle, the king announced that his long lost daughter had been found and introduced Princess A to everyone they met. He even promised A that she could continue practicing her healing, even though it was not something that a normal princess would do. A was truly happy now. She had been rewarded just like Hyacinth said she would, but her reward was much greater than she had ever dreamed and she lived happily ever after.